The Team
Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harrassment Statement
Mission Statement
Team Memphis Rescue & Support is a 501C3 non-profit all-breed rescue group that helps abandoned, neglected and lost pets. We are intensely devoted to helping pets find their forever home. Our existence depends on support from volunteers, fosters and donations. It's what makes saving animals possible.
Team Memphis Rescue & Support provides assistance to dogs in Memphis and surrounding areas who are displaced. We provide basic needs, vetting, evaluation of temperaments, and network to find foster and forever homes. Dog rescue is an ongoing battle. We are stronger when we stand together.
Team Memphis Rescue & Support provides medical care, including vaccinations, microchip and spay/neuter for all our adoptable pets. With years of experience, our goal is to find the perfect fit for each dog as well as the best pet for your family.
Noadiah Sikinger - Vice President and Treasurer
Service has always been at the heart of Noa's life. After a distinguished 30-year career in the United States Navy, she continues that mission through animal rescue. Raised on a farm, she developed a lifelong respect for animals, and throughout her military career she volunteered with shelters and rescue organizations wherever she was stationed.
Today, Noa and her husband, Jim, live in Colorado with their two rescue dogs, Koda and Mr. Winston—both found abandoned on the side of the road. Koda thrives in agility while Mr. Winston is happiest simply being with his family.
As Vice President and Treasurer, Noa focuses on strengthening Team Memphis Rescue through collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning. She builds relationships with shelters, rescue partners, veterinarians, and trainers while creating systems that improve efficiency and expand opportunities for dogs in need. Her passion is finding better ways to connect people, resources, and technology so more lives can be saved.
When she's not working on rescue, Noa enjoys hiking, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with family. She believes that meaningful change happens when compassionate people work together toward a shared purpose.
Lena Zodda- President
Lena has always believed that every dog deserves a chance. With more than 13 years of experience in animal rescue, she has dedicated herself to helping homeless dogs find the loving families they deserve. At home, she's kept on her toes by two rescue dogs—14-year-old Frankie, who brings wisdom and warmth, and Granger, whose playful personality keeps life entertaining.
As President of Team Memphis Rescue, Lena provides the leadership and organization that keeps the rescue moving forward. She oversees operations, carefully reviews adoption applications, supports volunteers, and works to ensure every decision is made with the dogs' best interests in mind. Her thoughtful approach and commitment to doing things the right way have helped countless dogs find successful, lifelong homes.
Outside of rescue, Lena balances a career in corporate America while proudly raising her son, Thomas. Whether she's cheering him on from the sidelines or volunteering in her community, she believes giving back is one of life's greatest responsibilities. Inspired by her mother's example of service, Lena continues to lead with compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.
Team Memphis Rescue & Support is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all volunteers and community members. We believe that diversity enriches our organization and enhances our ability to serve our mission.
We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic. This applies to all aspects of our organization.
Additionally, we are dedicated to ensuring that our organization is free from harassment of any kind, including verbal, physical, or visual harassment related to the characteristics above.
By upholding these principles, Team Memphis Rescue & Support aims to create a culture of respect and kindness for all involved in our mission of rescuing and caring for dogs in need.
Samantha Cochran- Secretary
Originally from Guntown, Mississippi, Samantha's passion for animal rescue began at an early age. Inspired by her aunt, who served as president of a local rescue organization, she grew up watching firsthand how one person's compassion could change the lives of countless animals. That example sparked a lifelong commitment to helping dogs in need.
Today, Samantha has a special passion for fostering fearful and traumatized dogs. She patiently helps them rebuild confidence, learn to trust again, and prepare for life with their forever families. As Secretary for Team Memphis Rescue, she helps keep the organization running smoothly while continuing to provide hands-on support to dogs who need it most. Rescue is truly a family effort, with her two daughters volunteering alongside her whenever they can.
Samantha shares her home with six dogs, five of whom are rescues. Bella, Ally, Magnolia, Lena, Trina, and Dottie each have unique stories of survival and second chances, serving as daily reminders of why rescue matters. She believes every dog deserves patience, understanding, and the opportunity to experience unconditional love.
May Hitaj – PA, OH, VA & WV Coordinator
Born and raised in Massachusetts with proud Albanian roots, May is the mother of four grown children, grandmother of two, and a lifelong Red Sox fan. She has loved animals for as long as she can remember, and if you spend more than a few minutes with her, you'll quickly discover she has just as much personality as the dogs she rescues.
Known for her quick wit, contagious laugh, and endless energy, May is usually juggling several projects at once. If she's not chasing a dog twice her size, she's likely tackling another DIY project, making her grandchildren laugh, or finding a new way to embarrass her grown kids. She wouldn't have it any other way.
As Team Memphis Rescue's primary coordinator for Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia, May is often the first point of contact for fosters, adopters, and volunteers throughout the region. She works tirelessly to coordinate transports, support foster families, and help dogs make successful transitions into their forever homes. She shares her home with three dogs of her own and never hesitates to welcome another foster who needs a safe place to land.
May believes every mile driven, every late-night phone call, and every foster opened is worth it if it means one more dog gets a second chance. Her dream is simple—to one day save every dog who needs a home.
